The partnerships were formalised on Friday, October 23, 2026, during a signing ceremony at the retailer’s head office in Nairobi attended by the Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
The agreements seek to strengthen cooperation between the retail industry and training institutions through curriculum development, industrial attachments, internships and recruitment programmes.
Naivas said it had already recruited more than 300 graduates and students from the seven institutions to work in its stores across the country.
The initiative focuses on developing industry-ready talent for the retailer’s Fresh Department, particularly in specialised areas such as bakery and deli operations.
For several years, Naivas has worked with the institutions to bridge the gap between classroom training and the practical demands of the workplace.
The retailer has involved its subject matter experts from the bakery and deli divisions in reviewing training curricula to ensure they reflect current industry standards and operational requirements.
Students have also benefited from industrial attachment opportunities in Naivas stores, allowing them to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to work in modern retail environments.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Naivas Chief Executive Officer Andreas Von Paleske reaffirmed the company’s commitment to developing local talent and creating meaningful career opportunities for young people.
The agreements are also expected to strengthen commercial ties between Naivas and the participating institutions.
According to the retailer, the institutions already engage with Naivas as suppliers and retail partners, creating opportunities for both sides to benefit from their working relationship.
The formal agreements provide a framework for deeper cooperation in training, recruitment, knowledge sharing and continued engagement between industry and education providers.
The Principal Secretary for TVET welcomed the initiative, describing industry-led partnerships as important in ensuring graduates acquire practical and market-relevant skills.
The PS said collaboration between employers and training institutions was necessary to prepare graduates for available jobs while supporting national development.
The ceremony brought together Naivas Executive Committee members, the company’s Chief Human Resources Officer, senior representatives from the participating institutions, government officials and stakeholders from the education and retail sectors.
Naivas said the partnerships reaffirm its commitment to youth empowerment, skills development and creating opportunities that benefit businesses and communities.
The initiative comes amid continued calls for closer cooperation between employers and training institutions to ensure young people leave college with skills that match the needs of the labour market.
